The Secret Behind Kirkland Laundry Detergent: A Picky Shopper‘s Investigation

As a savvy Costco shopper and self-proclaimed laundry enthusiast, I‘ve long been a fan of Kirkland Signature‘s Ultra Clean liquid laundry detergent. It checks all the boxes for me – powerful cleaning, pleasant scent, and an unbeatable price point. But as much as I love this product, I‘ve always been curious about its origins. Who actually makes Kirkland laundry detergent, and how do they manage to deliver such consistent quality at a fraction of the cost of big brands?

In this in-depth investigation, I‘ll share my findings as I attempt to uncover the secrets behind this mysterious detergent. I‘ll compare Kirkland to its competitors, explore the hidden world of private-label manufacturing, and reveal the surprising truth about what really matters when it comes to keeping your clothes clean. Get ready to geek out with me on all things laundry!

Kirkland vs. the Big Brands: A Detailed Comparison

First, let‘s address the elephant in the room. With its bold red cap and blue label, Kirkland Ultra Clean bears a striking resemblance to Henkel‘s Persil ProClean detergent. From the shape of the bottle to the claims of "stain-fighting" and "whitening," the similarities are hard to ignore.

Sources: Prices based on Costco.com and Amazon.com as of April 2023. Performance data from Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, and The Wirecutter.

As you can see, the formulation and performance of the two detergents are remarkably similar. In blind tests conducted by various publications, Kirkland consistently goes toe-to-toe with Persil in removing tough stains like chocolate, blood, and red wine. Both detergents contain a blend of surfactants, enzymes, and optical brighteners that make short work of dirty laundry.

But when it comes to price, there‘s simply no contest. At just 13 cents per load, Kirkland offers nearly identical results as Persil for less than half the cost. Over the course of a year, a family that does 5 loads of laundry per week could save over $350 by choosing Kirkland over Persil. That‘s some serious savings.

Of course, Persil isn‘t the only premium detergent on the market. Tide, All, Gain, and other major names command significant shares of the $7.3 billion U.S. laundry care industry. But in Consumer Reports‘ latest ratings of liquid laundry detergents, Kirkland outperformed all of them with an overall score of 76, tying for second place with Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release and beaten only by Persil at 82.

Source: Consumer Reports Laundry Detergent Ratings, March 2023

So if Kirkland is just as good (or nearly as good) as the leading brands, why aren‘t more people talking about it? The answer may have something to do with psychology. "Consumers tend to equate price with quality, especially for products where they don‘t have a lot of information," says Dr. Uma Karmarkar, a neuroeconomist at UC San Diego. "A lower price can sometimes signal lower quality, even if that‘s not the case."

Costco is well aware of these perceptions, which is likely why they go to great lengths to obscure the origins of their Kirkland products. By keeping their suppliers under wraps, they can maintain an air of mystique around the brand and let the quality speak for itself. Shoppers feel like they‘re getting a special deal, even if what‘s inside is strikingly similar to other options on the shelf.

The Private Label Puzzle

The truth is, most major retailers source their private label products from a range of third-party manufacturers, many of which also produce name-brand items. In the world of private label, secrecy is the norm, not the exception.

"Having Kirkland Signature on a product is really about a promise to our members," says Craig Jelinek, CEO of Costco. "It‘s a promise of quality, of value, and that we‘ve done the research to offer the best possible item at the best possible price."

To fulfill that promise, Costco‘s buyers scour the globe for top-notch suppliers who can meet their exacting standards at a lower cost. Sometimes that means partnering with a major CPG firm in an under-the-radar capacity. Other times it means seeking out smaller, specialized manufacturers who can offer a unique formula or feature.

In the case of laundry detergent, the prevailing theory is that Henkel is indeed the manufacturer behind Kirkland Ultra Clean. The German consumer goods giant has never officially confirmed the relationship, but a 2016 article in the publication Store Brands reported on an inadvertent leak from Henkel‘s North American head of laundry and home care.

"For a number of years, Henkel has produced laundry detergents for Costco under the Kirkland Signature brand," the executive was quoted as saying. He later retracted the statement and has declined to comment further on the matter.

Whether Henkel is the true source or not, it‘s clear that Kirkland detergent is the product of a rigorous and tightly-controlled manufacturing process. Costco‘s quality assurance team conducts regular audits of its suppliers to ensure that products meet their specifications for performance, safety, and environmental impact.

"We have a very thorough vetting process for all of our Kirkland Signature suppliers," says a senior buyer in Costco‘s corporate foods and sundries division, who asked to remain anonymous due to company policy. "It‘s not just about getting the lowest price. We visit the factories, we test the products extensively, and we‘re constantly monitoring for any issues."

Some industry insiders speculate that Costco may actually source its detergent from multiple manufacturers to ensure a steady supply and maintain bargaining power. This practice, known as "dual sourcing," is common among major retailers looking to mitigate risk and keep suppliers competitive.

"It wouldn‘t surprise me if Costco had a couple of different detergent makers in the mix," says a former buyer for a major drugstore chain. "That way, if one supplier has a production issue or tries to raise prices, they can easily pivot to the other without missing a beat. It‘s all about maintaining that consistency for the customer."

The Bottom Line: Does It Really Matter?

At the end of the day, most consumers don‘t really care who makes their laundry detergent, as long as it gets the job done. In a 2019 survey by the market research firm Mintel, just 11% of shoppers said they rely on brand name alone when choosing a detergent. Far more important factors were price (79%), cleaning power (57%), and scent (37%).

By those metrics, Kirkland Ultra Clean is a clear winner. It offers premium performance at a budget-friendly price, with a pleasant "rain clean" fragrance that‘s not overpowering. And with Costco‘s generous satisfaction guarantee, there‘s little risk in giving it a try.

"I‘ve been using Kirkland detergent for years, and I‘ve never had a problem with it," says Sarah, a mother of three who goes through at least two bottles a month. "It gets out all the stains, it doesn‘t irritate my kids‘ skin, and it‘s so much cheaper than the big brands. I honestly don‘t care who makes it – I just know it works."

Of course, there are some scenarios where Kirkland might not be the best choice. If you have very sensitive skin or are concerned about environmental impact, you may prefer a natural or plant-based detergent. Kirkland does offer an Environmentally Responsible formula, but it hasn‘t been as widely tested or reviewed as the Ultra Clean version.

And if you‘re loyal to a particular brand for sentimental reasons or just prefer the scent, there‘s nothing wrong with sticking with what you know. Laundry is a highly personal matter, and what works for one person may not work for another.

But if you‘re open to trying something new and want to get the most bang for your laundry buck, Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean is definitely worth a spin. Just don‘t be surprised if you find yourself wondering about the identity of its mysterious maker as you watch it work its magic on your toughest stains.

Because sometimes, a little mystery is what makes life interesting – even in the laundry room.

Kirkland Laundry Detergent: By the Numbers

• 126: The number of loads in a 194-ounce bottle of Kirkland Ultra Clean
• $0.13: The cost per load of Kirkland detergent, based on in-club pricing
• $17.5 billion: The total sales of Kirkland Signature products in fiscal year 2022
• 30%: The estimated percentage of Costco‘s total revenue generated by Kirkland
• 1 in 5: The number of U.S. households that had a Costco membership in 2021
• 1,149: The number of ounces of detergent the average American family uses annually

Sources: Costco, IRI, Statista

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Kirkland Detergent

1. Use the right amount: Overloading on detergent can actually make your clothes dirtier by leaving behind a residue. Follow the instructions on the label and use the cap to measure out the appropriate dose for your load size and soil level.

2. Pre-treat stains: For best results on tough stains, apply a small amount of detergent directly to the spot and gently rub it in before washing. You can also use Kirkland‘s Ultra Boost stain remover for extra stubborn marks.

3. Don‘t overstuff: Cramming too many clothes into the washer can prevent them from getting fully clean. Leave enough space for items to move freely and consider doing an extra rinse cycle if the load is especially soiled.

4. Wash in cold: Unless you have heavily soiled items, washing in cold water is just as effective as hot and can save energy and prevent fading. Kirkland detergent is formulated to perform well in all temperatures.

5. Store properly: Keep your detergent bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you transfer it to a different container, make sure it‘s clearly labeled and has a tight-fitting lid to prevent spills and preserve freshness.

With these simple hacks and a trusty bottle of Kirkland detergent by your side, laundry day will be a breeze.

Happy washing!